Is “decide” weakening your writing? This small word can slow pacing, strip emotional depth, and trap you in telling rather than showing. My latest blog post shows how focusing on actions, rather than decisions, creates more engaging scenes.
Author Archives: Deborah
Celebrating writing wins
Last week I wrapped up a copyedit for a local writer. This was our fourth time working together. His first book all those years ago was great – strong opening chapter, well paced narrative, realistic characterisation. Even with that solid foundation, I made a lot of edits. He’d done all that solid work, so IContinue reading “Celebrating writing wins”
Cosy season & a question for you
Kia ora, I’ve had a busy week so far. Here’s a round up: Okay, over to you. What’s one thing you’re excited about as the seasons change? Reply and let me know! Until next time, stay warm (or cool, if you’re in the northern hemisphere). Deborah PS: Last week I finished reading What Happens ifContinue reading “Cosy season & a question for you”
Filter out these words
Kia ora, One of the common comments I leave on manuscripts is, “You can cut out the filter words here.” Filter words tell us what you see, hear, taste, or think, rather than show us what you see, hear, taste, or think. Check out this straightforward way of making your writing more immersive. See youContinue reading “Filter out these words”
Catching up on that to-do list
Kia ora, I’m catching up from my week away, hence why this week’s email is a little late. But you may have seen an email from me earlier in the week- my latest blog post, Writing a travel memoir can be cathartic. Check it out if you haven’t already, and let me know if itContinue reading “Catching up on that to-do list”
Writing a travel memoir can be cathartic
The travel and adventure genre has many sub genres, and one of the most challenging to write is memoir. Writing a memoir can be a kind of therapy or catharsis, and writing a memoir set around a trip you took adds another layer of complexity.
My recent favourites
Kia ora, I’m preparing for some much-needed time off, so this week I’m sharing a list of interesting links for you to check out. Okay. I’m going to log off. See you next week! Deborah PS. My out-of-office is on, so if you send me an email, I’ll check in when I turn my laptopContinue reading “My recent favourites”
When the words won’t come easily
Kia ora Some days the words flow so smoothly that you’re convinced you can smash out your first draft by the end of the week. Some days the words come as easily as picking your way through a field of nettles. Or gorse. Or cow pats. (We’ve all been there.) When the words aren’t coming,Continue reading “When the words won’t come easily”
How to include flashbacks in your writing
Flashbacks send readers back in time to events that happened outside your story’s “present”. Knowing how to nudge your readers in the right direction will keep readers engaged, instead of having them go “huh?”
Quick writing wisdom: 3 tips
Kia ora, I missed writing last week’s email. I was on a tight deadline for my current edit, but it’s under control and I’m back in action. This week I want to give you three tips for your adventure writing. Do get help with your self-publishing project. You don’t have to do it all yourself.Continue reading “Quick writing wisdom: 3 tips”
Deborah Shaw Adventure Editing 